Rene Meulensteen, Alan Curbishley and Ray Wilkins formally leave Fulham following appointment of Felix Magath

The German manager brings in first-team coach Tomas Oral and conditioning coach Werner Leuthard

Riding the storm: Manager Rene Meulensteen

Rene Meulensteen, Alan Curbishley and Ray Wilkins have all formally left Fulham as part of major backroom restructuring.

Speculation has been rife over the embattled Barclays Premier League club's managerial set-up since Friday's shock announcement of Felix Magath as new first-team manager, which followed Wednesday's defeat to Liverpool.

The announcement brought an end to Meulensteen's 75-day spell at Craven Cottage and the Dutchman has now formally left Fulham alongside four other members of the coaching staff.

Curbishley has left his role as first-team technical director while Wilkins has vacated the post of assistant manager. Mick Priest and Jonathan Hill have also left the Whites while Magath has brought first-team coach Tomas Oral and conditioning coach Werner Leuthard.

"I am very grateful to Rene, Alan and Ray, as well as Mick and Jonathan, for their commitment to Fulham," chairman Shahid Khan said in a statement.

"Their efforts were admirable and appreciated, and I wish them the best.

"Felix has come to Fulham with purpose and exceptional confidence, and I know he is extremely pleased to have Tomas Oral and Werner Leuthard join him for the mission ahead."

Felix Magath has replaced Rene Meulensteen as Fulham manager (GETTY IMAGES)

Wilkins revealed after his departure that he suffers from the same bowel condition as Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, ulcerative colitis, as well as bouts of depression.

He said he was making his illness public in order to dispel rumours of a drinking problem, admitting he at times looked "the worse for wear" on the sideline. Wilkins remained in the dressing room after half-time in the Liverpool game.

Last July, the former Chelsea and England midfielder was banned from driving for three years after being convicted of drink-driving.

He told the Daily Mail: "I need to control the ulcerative colitis with strict medication, which I had not done before the Liverpool game. That is the reason I didn't return to the dug-out after half-time, as I needed to be close to a toilet.

"I didn't want to make a fuss about my illness, I didn't tell Rene. Darren Fletcher said how hard it was to tell his team-mates.

"But I desperately want to carry on in football and there's no chance of that happening if everyone gets the wrong impression that I have a drink problem. Unfortunately I can look the worse for wear but it is nothing to do with drink.

"I was very stupid about the drink-driving and I have had trouble with depression on occasions - but not since I was back in football. I was so excited about the Fulham challenge, but it's all about results."

Magath's first game comes away at West Brom this Saturday - one of 12 matches remaining for the Cottagers, who lie four points adrift of safety at the foot of the table.

PA